Sebaceous Cysts, What is a Sebaceous Cyst?

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a benign, encapsulated lesion that consists of a fluid sac which contains liquid, or semi-fluid material. It can vary in shape, size and location. The most common types of cysts are reviewed here. 

Acne, acne cysts, and sebaceous cysts are benign skin lesions and are one of the most common reasons which patients consult with dermatologists like Dr. Michele Green in Manhattan.  Sebaceous cysts are the most common type of cyst, and are slow-growing noncancerous bumps on the skin. However, if sebaceous cysts are left untreated, they tend to enlarge, get infected, and cause cosmetic scarring. Dr. Michele Green treats these sebaceous cysts in her Upper East Side NYC office each day. Through her minimally invasive techniques, she treats these cysts in a cosmetically elegant way, and avoids any unnecessary scarring.

What is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A Sebaceous cyst is like a large pimple. Similar to acne, sebaceous cysts form within or near hair follicles. Sebaceous cysts are benign, firm or palpable growths, which can present as a small lump under the dermis. These cysts are formed from dirt, or excess oil, or a build-up of dead skin and sebum which gets trapped due to clogged hair follicles. Sebaceous cysts can grow rapidly, enlarging over the course of days or weeks.

These cysts most commonly present on the face, back and chest, where the majority of sebaceous glands exist. They do not occur on the palms of the hand or soles of the feet. Sebaceous cysts form a lump under the skin and initially looks like a small bump. The overlying skin is usually flesh colored or yellow in appearance due to the build up of sebum, pus, and keratin. These cysts grow slowly and can also be formed from trauma. Sebaceous cysts may initially be painless, although as large cysts develop, they often become painful. Most sebaceous cyst are not life-threatening, and they can often resolve on their own. However, some sebaceous cysts  do not resolve and need further treatment. Depending on the location of the cyst, the amount of discomfort, the possibility of infection and scarring, and the cosmetic ramifications, these cysts will need to be treated and removed by Dr. Green in her NYC office.  

Sebaceous Cyst photo: Source – Wikipedia

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts are also referred to as epidermal cysts and are one of the most common forms of cutaneous cysts. Epidermoid cysts are due to the proliferation of epidermal cells within the dermis and generally form with or near the hair follicle.They are small lumps which develop under the skin. These cysts contain dead skin cells which look like small bumps, and the overlying skin is usually flesh colored, or yellow in appearance. Epidermoid cysts are primarily located on the face, neck, back, or genitals. They generally form in areas where there is little hair. Epidermoid cyst are often caused by clogged hair follicles due to a buildup of keratin. The epidermal cells form the walls of the cyst, and then secrete keratin into the interior of the cyst. Keratin is a protein found in the skin responsible for skin cell regeneration. These cysts can also be formed due to trauma and are called epidermal inclusion cysts. If these epidermal cysts become irritated, inflamed, or infected, they can be extremely painful. 

Men are more than twice as likely as women to develop epidermoid cysts. Most of these cysts arise in adult life. Individuals prone to epidermoid cysts should be checked for underlying health conditions such as Gardner’s syndrome. These cysts are generally benign, although there have been rare cases of skin cancers arising from epidermoid cysts as sited in the mayoclinic.org. To successfully remove an epidermoid cyst, the cyst wall needs to be completely removed.  If part of the cyst wall remains, the cyst can grow back.

Pilar cysts                         

Pilar cysts, also called trichilemmal cysts, or wens, are benign cysts which occur predominately on the scalp. These cysts present as flesh colored bumps on the surface of the skin, and can vary in size from the size of a nickel to the size of a golf ball.  As they grow in size they can create a dome-like bump on the skin, with a smooth texture, and are firm to the touch. The larger the Pilar cysts grow, the more pressure they cause, and the more discomfort they create. These cysts can rupture as a result of trauma, which can cause pain and infection. Pilar cysts are hereditary and are more common in middle-aged women than in men.

While pilar cysts are benign, due to the size and pressure caused by these cysts, many patients choose to have them removed. It is important to remove both the cyst and the epithelial lining to prevent the cyst from re-occurring. Although these pilar cysts are benign, many patients want these pilar cysts removed for cosmetic reasons as well.

What are the symptoms of sebaceous cysts?

The presence of a lump or growth under the skin is usually a sign that you may be developing a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous cyst may initially appear soft, but later grow firmer as the amount of keratin builds up in the wall of the cyst.  Most cysts are benign and completely harmless. At the start, the the cyst is painless, but depending on the location of the cyst, it can become irritated, erythematous, and inflamed. This inflammation can be a sign of an underlying skin infection.  If the cyst becomes tender to the touch and the surrounding skin appears red and warm, the sebaceous cyst may be infected, and will need further treatment. The cyst may need to be opened and drained, allowing the infection to escape, and oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed. When the cyst becomes painful, or the surrounding skin becomes warm with a foul smelling discharge, this is a strong indication of infection. In an infection is left untreated, it can become serious. Fever, or any other systemic symptoms means that prompt medical attention is necessary.

While most sebaceous cysts pose no cancerous threat it cannot be ruled out entirely. A sebaceous cyst may be considered abnormal or possibly cancerous if it’s diameter is larger than five centimeters, or continues to recur in the same location after repeatedly being removed.

What causes a sebaceous cyst?  

Sebaceous cysts are formed within the sebaceous gland, which is the gland which produces sebum. These cysts develop when the hair follicles become clogged due to a build up of sebum or keratin. These cysts can also be formed from pimples or as a result of trauma to the sebaceous glands. Individuals with a genetic predisposition such as steatocystoma multiplex, Gardner’s syndrome or Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome are also prone to developing sebaceous cysts.

How do you diagnose a sebaceous cyst?

A diagnosis of a sebaceous cyst can be determined by a physical examination of the nodule by a dermatologist, family physician or other healthcare provider. There are occasions when additional testing is required to make a definitive diagnosis of a cyst, since it can sometimes be mistaken for a different type of skin tumor.  

Common tests used to diagnosis a sebaceous cyst include:

• Cat scan – This test is performed to rule out other abnormalities or cancer.
• Ultrasound – This test is performed to establish the contents of the cyst and depth of inflammation. 
• Punch biopsy – This test is performed to identify the histology of the cyst.
• Culture and Sensitivity – This exam is performed to determine the type of bacteria responsible for the infection and the best antibiotic to treat the infection.

What is the best treatment for a sebaceous cyst?   

Depending on the size of the sebaceous cyst, there are many different options for treatment. The cyst may need to be surgically excised or drained depending on the severity of the cyst. In dermatology, most cysts that are removed are done so because of their cosmetic appearance or because of discomfort.  A board certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, will discuss the best treatment available to remove your cyst, based upon her clinical evaluation. Some sebaceous cysts which are quite large or on the face, may require a plastic surgery for cyst removal. The treatment options for cyst removal depends on the anatomic location of the cyst, its size, and whether or not the cyst is already infected. Dr. Green will guide your treatment to provide the best aesthetic as well as medical outcome.

Sebaceous cyst can be removed using the following techniques:

• Incision and drainage – If the cyst is infected, the sebaceous cyst needs to be drained and the infected cyst contents are cultured for antibiotic sensitivity. Oral antibiotics are then given to the patient to treat the infection, which allows the wound to heal. This technique is necessary when the cyst is infected and the possibility of removing the entire cyst may not be possible at the time.
• Intralesional injection with cortisone – Inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a steroid solution into the cyst. In a small cyst, the steroid will reduce the inflammation and allow the sebaceous cyst to shrink.
• Minimal excision technique – Removing the cyst with the probability of recurrence and minimal scarring. This technique does not always guarantee that the entire cyst wall is removed.
• Conventional wide excision- This procedure will completely remove all contents of the cyst including the cyst wall but scarring is inevitable.  The area is anesthetized with local anesthesia prior to the surgery. The cyst and its contents, including the entire cyst wall, are removed to prevent any recurrence of the sebaceous cyst.
• After a cyst is removed, Dr. Green prescribes an oral and topical antibiotics for ten days or until the wound is completely healed. Dr. Green also may recommend the VBeam laser to treat any residual redness or scarring.

Sebaceous Cyst Treatment FAQs

Should you squeeze out a sebaceous cyst?

You should not attempt to squeeze out a sebaceous cyst on your own as this can cause trauma to the cyst, and increase the chance of infection and scarring. If there is any pain or discharge, you need to consult a dermatologist.

How can I get rid of a cyst at home?

You can use warm sterile water and apply it on a compress to the sebaceous cyst.  It is important not to  use boiling hot water to avoid burning the skin. Leave the warm compress on the affected area and apply an over the counter antibiotic ointment and benzoyl peroxide ointment twice a day.  Repeat the warm compresses several times during the day as needed.

Can I stick a needle in a sebaceous cyst?

Some patients attempt to sterilize a needle and puncture the cyst. However, it is likely that you will be unable to remove all of the cyst contents and the cyst wall and will have irritated the area and make it more prone to infection.

How do you remove a sebaceous cyst at home?

It is not advised to remove a sebaceous cyst at home since this can lead to scarring and infection.  It would be almost impossible to remove the cyst wall without special medical tools, so the cyst would be irritated and prone to infection, recurrence, and scarring.

What can happen if a cyst is left untreated?

If the cyst is left untreated and is small and not uncomfortable then it does not need to be treated. However, if the cyst is large, or in a location which is uncomfortable, painful, or cosmetically unsightly, you should consult your dermatologist for removal of the cyst.

Find out more about treating Sebaceous Cysts and contact us online today or call 212-535-3088. Dr. Michele S. Green, a board certified NYC dermatologist, can diagnose the issue and see what type of treatment will work best for you.

Sebaceous Cyst After Infection: Symptoms and Treatment

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022

A sebaceous or epidermal cyst is a lump that forms in the outermost layer (epidermis) of your skin. It develops when an oil-producing (sebaceous) gland in your skin is blocked, creating a hollow sac filled with fatty, yellowish substance that looks like cottage cheese. These cysts often consist of swollen hair follicles or lumps that result from skin trauma. Sebaceous cysts are usually harmless, but an infected sebaceous cyst can be a problem.

Symptoms of Infected Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst is a movable, painless bump that is often slow-growing under your skin. However, sometimes, it can become infected due to trauma or repeated contact with bacteria from your hands. Typical signs and symptoms of an infected sebaceous cyst include tenderness, redness, hot feeling over the affected skin, and fluid with waxy and oily appearance. As for the common epidermal cysts, you can also drain cheesy and grayish white stuff with bad smell from the lump.

Call your doctor if any of these symptoms occur:

• Increased redness around the affected area
• Worsening swelling and pain
• High fever (100.4°F/38ºC or higher)
• Pus draining from the cyst

Can Infected Sebaceous Cyst Be Serious?

Usually, this condition causes no serious issues. Infected sebaceous cyst need to be removed to prevent any further problems. While for sebaceous cysts that are not infected, a removal is not a must, because some cysts disappear with warm compress treatment or go away on their own.

If your cyst ruptures, you will experience symptoms like an infected boil and you need immediate treatment. In addition, an infected sebaceous cyst can be very painful and swollen. It may be difficult to operate on, so your doctor may advise you to wait till the inflammation decreases. Fortunately, no complications occur after surgical drainage or cyst removal in most cases. However, some people also report that sebaceous cysts can sometimes reappear. Therefore, proper post-surgery care should be followed.

Medical Treatment for Infected Sebaceous Cyst

1. Antibiotics

Your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics such as Flucloxacillin to treat your infected sebaceous cyst, which you should take as directed. You may feel better after a few days, but you will be advised to continue finishing the whole course.

2. Get Surgery

Surgical removal of the cyst is sometimes necessary. If the cyst is small with less severity, your doctor will then apply a lance to drain and remove the cyst. For relatively larger cysts, the doctor will cut in oval from both sides or on the center to remove the cyst. Don’t worry about the pain, because a local anesthetic will be administered around the area to prevent you from experiencing any pain.

3. Post-Surgery Care

The most important thing to do after your surgery is to keep the area clean. There will be no complications, as long as you do not touch your wound unnecessarily. If the sutures are dissolvable, you will not need to go back to for removal of sutures.

In addition, herbal cleansing can be applied to help faster healing. Guava leaves can be boiled in water to make antiseptic wash for you wound. Remember to cool the solution before using. In addition, aloe vera leaves with thick and soothing sap can be directly used on the wound, then just leave the sap on the wound and let dry. One thing to remember is to test any homemade remedy on the skin before using to avoid any allergic reaction.

Home Remedies for Sebaceous Cyst

1. Warm Compress

How it helps: Moist heat promotes blood circulation to your infected sebaceous cyst and speeds up healing process. A warm compress dilates the blood vessels and improves transport of nutrients to the area so that damaged tissues heal faster. It also helps wash out toxins and debris causing inflammation.

How to apply:Soak a small towel in warm water. Wring the towel to get rid of excess water. Apply the warm towel over your cyst for 10-20 minutes. Do this two to four times daily.

2. Tea Tree Oil

How it helps:Tea tree oil helps reduce the formation of recurrent sebaceous cysts. It is a known antimicrobial agent that has great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

How to apply: Place one to two drops of tea tree oil on your infected sebaceous cyst. Cover with band-aid. Take off the Band-Aid after 8 to 10 hours and avoid sleeping with the band-aid on at night. You can repeat this process in the next morning.

3. Castor Oil

How it helps:Castor oil counters itching and inflammation. It has a chemical called ricin which has anti-bacterial properties.

How to apply: First, soak a clean piece of cloth in castor oil, then cover the cyst and place a warm compress. Hold for about half an hour. You can also gently rub some castor oil over your cyst a few times daily.

4. Aloe Vera

How it helps:Aloe vera is a popular home remedy that not only benefits the skin but your general health as well. With anti-bacterial property, it can relieve pain and skin discomfort caused by an infected sebaceous cyst. As mentioned above, aloe vera helps to speed up the wound healingprocess.

How to apply: Apply some aloe vera gel directly on your sebaceous cyst. Gently rub onto the area to help the gel penetrate into the cyst. Do this once or twice a day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

How it helps: Apple cider vinegar is known for its strong antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is an effective cleansing agent that helps get rid of bacteria in wounds.

How to apply: Soak a cotton ball in some apple cider vinegar and then apply it to your cyst. Let it stay for some time before removing. If you experience a stinging sensation, dilute with some water to make a solution and use it on the cyst. Do this three to four times daily.

causes, symptoms, treatment of sebaceous gland cysts

The article was checked by a doctor: Yury Igorevich Kan

Types of atheroma

For the choice of treatment method, a classification based on the features of cyst formation is important, according to which atheroma is of two types:

• True (another name is congenital, primary). It is a consequence of a violation of the formation of the sebaceous glands and their ducts in the prenatal period. More often found in a newborn child. Usually represented by multiple formations, with a diameter of not more than 0.5 cm.
• False (secondary, acquired). Its development is associated with blockage of the lumen of the sebaceous gland with a viscous fatty secret. The most characteristic age of patients is 20–30 years. The gender structure is dominated by women. Usually these are single formations of large size up to 5–10 cm.

Atheroma can be multiple and single. Multiple neoplasms are defined as atheromatosis. There is also a histological classification. However, the structure of the cyst does not affect the clinical manifestations, therefore, it is relevant only for research.

Help! Atheroma has synonymous names: steatocystoma, epidermal or epidermoid cyst, epidermoid, retention and trichodermal cyst. In the common people they call a wen.

Call right now

+7 (495) 215-56-90

Make an appointment with a dermatologist

Causes of atheroma

At the heart of the occurrence of a retention cyst is a blockage of the ducts or obstruction of the outflow of the secretion of the sebaceous gland, which leads to the accumulation of glandular discharge and the formation of a cavity filled with sebum. The reasons for the violation of the process of secretion of sebaceous secretion are variable. In most patients, a combination of two or more predisposing factors is determined simultaneously.

The following main mechanisms for the formation of atheromas are distinguished:

• Features of the structure of the glands of external secretion. Violation of the anatomical structure of the glands of the skin is associated with genetic abnormalities, and occurs even in utero. In this case, the first retention cysts are found in infancy.
• Changes in the composition and amount of sebum. Increased secretion production and its increased viscosity predispose to the formation of a wen. This process is based on hormonal imbalance, psychogenic disorders, acne, seborrhea, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Injury to the skin. At the site of healing of various skin lesions, scar tissue is formed, which compresses the excretory ducts of the gland, which makes it difficult for the secretion to flow out. A sebaceous cyst can occur at the site of cuts, scratches, open abscesses, boils, as a complication after piercing.

Unfavorable external factors play a certain role in the development of the disease: radiation, UV rays, frostbite of the skin.

Atheroma symptoms

Get expert advice:

• Dermatologist
• Surgeon

An epidermoid cyst forms anywhere on the body where sebaceous glands are present. False atheromas are characterized by localization on the skin of the face, earlobe, neck and back, scalp, abdomen, shoulders and forearm. A true retention cyst often affects the perineum. Atheroma does not occur on the palms, soles, toes and hands.

Outwardly, atheroma looks like a round, pink or flesh-colored subcutaneous formation with a white area in the center. The average tumor size ranges from 1–3 cm, but sometimes reaches 5–10 cm in diameter. The skin above the cyst is raised, not going into a fold. The content has a dense and elastic texture, with a sharp fetid odor. The cyst itself is soft to the touch, mobile, painless. Unpleasant sensations arise when it is injured by clothing or combing.

Help! With regular mechanical impact on the cyst or a general weakening of the immune system, there is a risk of inflammation and suppuration of the tumor.

Painful sensations can manifest large atheromas on the scalp. The hair around the cyst usually falls out, the surrounding tissues bleed, and the skin becomes bluish.

Atheroma diagnostics

Many benign tumors are similar in appearance and require differential diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, a dermatologist or surgeon performs an external examination. Slow growth, absence of pain, and mobility of the neoplasm testify in favor of atheroma.

In controversial diagnostic cases, soft tissue ultrasound is used. During the study, a connective tissue capsule and a cavity with clear edges filled with liquid content are determined, which reliably confirms the diagnosis of a retention cyst. With the help of ultrasound, atheroma is differentiated from lipoma, fibroma, hygroma, adenoma.

In preparation for surgical treatment, general laboratory tests are prescribed: a biochemical blood test, a coagulogram, a test for HIV infection, hepatitis B and C, and an analysis for syphilis.

Without fail, the removed neoplasm is sent for histomorphological examination to clarify the origin of the tumor, to exclude its malignancy.

Atheroma treatments

Treatment of an epidermal cyst is only surgical. Puncture and emptying of the cavity does not lead to recovery. In the clogged gland, the production of sebum continues, and the cavity, after healing, is again filled with sebum. It is possible to avoid recurrence only after the complete exfoliation of the capsule along with its contents.

Depending on the location and size of the sebaceous cyst, a scalpel, laser, radio wave knife, or electric current is used to remove it. The task of the surgeon is not only to remove the formation, but also to choose the optimal method of intervention, taking into account specific circumstances and contraindications.

Important! If signs of cyst inflammation are detected, appropriate therapy is preliminarily prescribed using anti-inflammatory and antiseptic local preparations.

Cystectomy

This is a classic removal of a sebaceous cyst with a scalpel through an incision in the skin. The operation is indicated for large atheromas more than 5 cm in diameter. The contents are peeled together with the capsule, the skin is sutured. At the site of excision of the formation, a thin, inconspicuous scar remains.

With suppuration of atheroma, the operation is carried out in two stages:

1. A festering cyst is opened, the cavity is drained, treated with an antiseptic. Locally prescribed anti-inflammatory ointments.
2. After the cessation of inflammation, on average after 2–3 months, the capsule is husked.

In the postoperative period, the sutures must be treated with antiseptic solutions, antibacterial and regenerating local agents until the wound heals.

Laser atheroma removal

Laser vaporization is effective at an early stage, when the size of the cyst does not exceed 3 cm in diameter. Under local anesthesia, the cystic cavity, together with its contents, is evaporated with a laser beam to the boundaries of healthy tissues. The laser seals the capillaries, so the operation is bloodless, without the risk of infection. The wound heals within a week without scarring. With a qualitative removal of the atheroma body and its contents, the likelihood of recurrence is minimal. The laser does not remove festering cysts.

Large and deep atheromas are initially dissected with a surgical knife, the cyst is removed along with the capsule, then the bed is treated with a laser beam. This helps to minimize bleeding, soreness, and swelling. At the last stage, the wound surface is disinfected, covered with an antiseptic bandage.

Radio wave atheroma removal

Cysts of small size, together with the capsule, are evaporated with high-frequency radio waves. The operation takes place under local anesthesia, lasts 10-15 minutes, does not leave scars, and minimizes bleeding. When atheroma is located on the scalp, the hair is not shaved. Intervention is contraindicated in patients with pacemakers and dentures.

Electrocoagulation of atheroma

Small retention cysts without signs of inflammation are subject to electrocoagulation. The skin and the atheroma capsule are cut with a scalpel-like electrode, then the cystic contents along with the capsule are husked through the hole with an electric current. The vacated cavity is treated with an antiseptic and covered with a bandage. The operation is painless due to local anesthesia, low-traumatic, without a recovery period.

Treatment of atheroma at home

The epidermoid cyst is not amenable to conservative treatment, it is impossible to get rid of it on your own at home. Any attempt to squeeze it out can lead to a violation of the integrity of the walls of the capsule, and the release of the contents into the blood. The spread of purulent exudate in the tissues is dangerous for the development of phlegmon or sepsis (blood poisoning).

To reduce the trauma of the intervention, minimize the risk of complications and shorten the rehabilitation period, seeking medical help at the initial stage of atheroma will help.

Which doctor to contact for atheroma

Diagnosis of a retention cyst is the competence of a dermatologist or surgeon. When forming atheroma of the scalp, you may need to consult a trichologist. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor gives a direction to resolve the issue of removing the cyst.

Atheroma treatment in Moscow

Polyclinic Otradnoye provides services for the treatment of atheroma in Moscow. The clinic is attended by experienced dermatologists and surgeons. To accurately determine the type of neoplasm, modern diagnostic algorithms are used, which makes it possible to diagnose atheroma with 100% certainty. The clinic’s surgeons are proficient in classical and modern minimally invasive techniques that provide the best cosmetic result with minimal risk of complications. When choosing a method of intervention, they are guided by international protocols, taking into account the clinical situation of a particular patient.

The price of atheroma treatment is negotiated with the doctor at a face-to-face consultation, and depends on the method of removal, size and number of neoplasms. You can make an appointment, clarify the cost of services by phone or on the website through the feedback form.

Prevention of atheroma

Specific preventive measures have not been developed. To prevent the development of a sebaceous cyst, it is important to consult a dermatologist for any changes in the skin. Acne, seborrhea, hyperhidrosis are those conditions that increase the likelihood of atheroma, and therefore require well-chosen therapy. With already formed atheromas, their removal is shown at the initial stage.

List of sources

1. Experience in surgical treatment of atheromas/ Kiselev VV, Murzagareeva MN, Vasilyeva NA// Health. Medical ecology. The science. – 2014.
2. Pathomorphology of epidermal (dermoid) cysts / A.A. Bagdasarov, A.S. Rykov // Youth, science, medicine. – 2020.
3. Kazakov D.V., McKee P.H., Michal M., Kacerovska D. Cutaneous Adnexal Tumors, 1st ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins Health, Philadelphia; 2012.
4. Zaballos P., Gómez-Martín I., Martin J.M., Bañuls J. Dermoscopy of Adnexal Tumors. Dermatologic Clinics. 2018.
5. Skin Cysts – Dermatologic Disorders – MSD Manual Professional Edition (msdmanuals.com)

Share:

Epidermal cysts, causes of formation and treatment

Epidermal cyst (epidermal cyst, atheroma) is a benign hypodermal formation, which is characterized by slow growth and localization mainly on the face, scalp, chest, scrotum. As a rule, the sizes of epidermal cysts do not exceed five cm in diameter, but in rare cases, the formations can be noticeably larger.

The walls of epidermal cysts are lined with the epithelium of the epidermis. As for the cavity of the cyst, it is filled with keratin and sebum. Typically, epidermal cysts are oval or round in shape, soft, and painless.

Epidermal cysts: causes of formation

Cysta epidermalis develops when the follicles of the sebaceous glands are blocked, which is why atheroma is more common in people suffering from seborrhea or acne.

In modern medicine, primary epidermal cysts (true) and secondary atheromas (false) are distinguished. The first group includes formations that have arisen as a result of a violation of the development of the epidermis. As for false epidermal cysts, they are formed with skin injuries and diseases. Unlike primary, secondary atheromas develop very quickly.

Metabolic disorders, poor body hygiene, hormonal disruptions, unfavorable environmental conditions can also lead to blockage of the excretory follicles of the sebaceous glands.

Epidermal cysts: what you need to know

Epidermal cysts have a thin shell. Given the fact that they usually occur in places of friction, the risk of cyst rupture is high – this, in turn, can provoke an acute inflammatory process. With inflammation, the cyst becomes painful and increases in size.

Another common complication is infection of atheroma: tissues become inflamed, thickened when a bacterial infection attaches, which leads to pain.

Such a complication as suppuration of atheroma can also pose a danger. In the event that the breakthrough of the cyst occurred outside, then timely disinfection of the wound will save the situation. But a completely different picture emerges when it comes to opening an inflamed formation towards the dermis – in this case, an abscess or phlegmon may develop, then urgent surgical treatment of the cyst, combined with antibiotics, is necessary.

Epidermal cysts: folk remedies

Every evening before going to bed, a bandage with Vishnevsky’s ointment should be applied to the atheroma: after a few sessions, a hole will appear on the skin through which the contents of the cyst will come out. However, this method does not eliminate the risk of relapse.

Quite effective folk methods include compresses from fresh leaves of coltsfoot: fresh leaves are washed, rumpled (to give juice). Compresses are made at night.

However, these methods will not provide you with a complete and unconditional deliverance from atheroma. If you want to permanently remove the epidermal cyst, it is better to take the help of professional doctors.

Epidermal cysts: current treatments

If it is a small epidermal cyst, no treatment is required, but the development of the formation should be monitored.

For cosmetic purposes, surgical treatment may be indicated, in particular, if the appearance, growth of a cyst is accompanied by painful sensations, if an infection develops.

Surgical removal of the cyst can be performed by laser coagulation or it can be a radical removal of the cyst.

Laser removal of atheroma is carried out under local anesthesia: through a small incision in the skin with a laser, atheroma is painlessly and bloodlessly removed.

The second method involves an incision that is made at the most protruding site of the cyst. The contents of the cyst are gently squeezed onto a napkin, then the atheroma capsule is removed, a suture and an antiseptic bandage are applied.